As hibernation mode kicks in and we want to spend more time snuggling up on the sofa, it can make us feel the need to explore online dating more. Winter is known as one of the busiest times when it comes to dating. This time of year is referred to as cuffing season as individuals seek to couple up so they have someone to spend the cold dark winter nights together with another.

This can lead to an influx of attention from online admirers and in-person dates.

The more choice we have when it comes to the dating pool can lead to more undesirable experiences during this time.

Cuffing season is often from October until March. Some relationships will remain afterwards, but it’s not uncommon for many to part ways in spring.

Here are my top five tips on how to get through online dating and cuffing season!

1. Be honest about what you want. If you haven’t thought about it much, now is the time to figure out if you are looking for a long-term or short-term relationship. Stating this in your profile will help those checking you out see if their relationship goals align with yours.
2. If you’re looking for a date purely for festive events, make sure you touch base before attending together, and meet for an in-person date before. Meeting amongst established friendships and family ties can add extra stress, as the other person won’t have the experience of knowing you much beforehand, making sure you’re both comfortable in each other’s company is very important beforehand.
3. Ask questions about what their life and personality are like. When they reply, actively engage in answering taking into account their answer. Try and avoid making it about you, it’s easy to start talking about yourself when the focus for a moment should be about learning and engaging about their life.
4. Ask about boundaries. You may have established the relationship dynamic you both are after, but also making sure you know each other’s boundaries in other areas of the relationship will form a safety net and make sure your interactions are consensual. If either of you steps over these boundaries, these are known as red flags and maybe a sign that they’re not the right person to hunker down with for the time being.
5. Slow things down if things seem to be going too fast. It’s very easy for things to go into a more committed relationship during cuffing season, where you become serious and therefore cuffed. If things seem to be going too fast, know that part of this just seems natural for cuffing season where we have a bigger desire to settle down during the lonely winter months. However, if it seems faster than you’re comfortable with talk to your partner about it and figure out a way for you both to slow things down a notch.

Most importantly whatever type of relationship you’re after during the winter months, make sure it’s consensually agreed between all involved when venturing into it, and good luck!